As with many real life Australian beaches Summer Bay has its own Surf and Lifesaving Centre (SLSC). It was first seen on screen in 1989. Over the years as well as serving its purpose as a centre for sea and land rescues it has been a place for the young people of the Bay to relax and socialise. Town meetings are often held in the Surf Club. It has also been used as a polling station and a private party/formal venue and has housed various food outlets, most notably the ill-fated Bonza Burger in 1998. Several characters have been trained as lifeguards over the years and surf competitions take place occasionally.

Angelo's – Located upstairs in the newly renovated SLSC is Angelo's, a restaurant replacing Noah's Bar as the only licensed premises in Summer Bay. It is a business venture by Angelo Rosetta after he was discharged from the Police force and it was always his dream to one his own restaurant after growing up with his parents running a restaurant. Darryl Braxton buys into the business and helps turn it into a successful pizza restaurant. Angelo and Darryl employ Xavier Austin and Casey Braxton to deliver pizza. Darryl eventually buys Angelo out.

Gelato – Gelato is a small kiosk selling ice cream and smoothies located in the main area downstairs in the new SLSC, it replaces Noah's Juice Bar as the main hang out area for the local teenagers of Summer Bay. In this area of the Surf Club there is also a small workout area tucked in the corner replacing Summer Bay Super Bods which has been in financial troubles recently and is no longer visible as a separate area in the Surf Club. In this area of the Surf Club there is also a boutique selling magazines and surf, skateboard and fashion items and a pool table in the centre of the area. Gelato is owned and run by Alf Stewart.

Summer Bay Body & Soul – Located downstairs in the Surf Club, Summer Bay Body & Soul is a gym owned by Romeo Smith and Indigo Walker. Shortly after it opened in March 2013, Romeo departed the Bay, leaving Indi to run the business alone, she now however left the business to Casey and Heath after she departed in November 2013. After Casey's death in September 2014, Darryl Braxton bought the gym in memory of Casey. [1]

The original diner was the Bayside Diner run by Bobby Simpson and Ailsa Stewart and later Ailsa's husband Alf. For a while this diner included a Beauty Salon set up in a back room, this was run by Marilyn Fisher. This Diner was given a makeover around 1997 when it was revealed a Bonza Burger outlet was being set up in Summer Bay.

In 2000, the kitchen of the Bayside was badly damaged by fire, due to Colleen Smart mistakenly pouring water onto the flames of a chip-pan fire, making it worse and instead of repairing the building Alf and Ailsa decided to relocate the diner to an existing building in front of the beach, subsequently the diner became known as The Beachside Diner. Prior to the original diner fire Alf and Ailsa's home had been destroyed by a landslide and fire, as the new diner had a flat attached upstairs this is where Alf and Ailsa lived. Alf continued to live here following Ailsa's death and the flat was home to many other Summer Bay residents when Alf moved to the Summer Bay House at the Caravan Park.

In 2008, the structure of The Beachside Diner became unsafe as result of aftershocks from the 1996 earthquake and the building was condemned. The Diner was relocated to its current location as The Pier Diner; originally this Diner was located in a room to the left of the Kitchen which was central to the building with a room to the right being used as a youth centre known as The Den, this was started by Leah as a tribute to her late husband Dan. As The Den struggled to survive financially Leah made a decision to close The Den with The Pier Diner then moving to the location of The Den. The room used for the original Pier Diner was then used only as an additional store room. Belle Taylor and Aden Jefferies previously worked at the Diner before Belle's death and Aden's departure. Roman Harris, who owned a third of the business also left the Bay to serve a prison sentence.

On Australia Day 2010 a riot took place outside the Diner, which resulted in the Diner being badly damaged by fire. The Diner was given a major makeover inside with there now being two sets of sliding glass doors leading onto a terraced area overlooking the pier and one set of sliding glass doors on the opposite wall reflecting the real life location of the Pier Diner. The kitchen is now located to the left of the building and toilets on the right with the dining area central to the building, scenes can be filmed facing all walls as it is a 4-walled set unlike the previous set.

In 2013, Leah decided to back scale her work as she begin employment at Summer Bay High School, she however does casual shifts sometimes and continues to own her half of the diner. Chris Harrington (Johnny Ruffo) unintentionally poisons some diners, as well as Alf and Leah, when he uses Death cap mushrooms in a risotto. Irene considers closing the diner permanently when there are no customers.

The local co-ed high school for students aged 12–18. It is also used as a shelter in extreme weather conditions such as cyclones and has been the scene of a hostage situation. During Donald Fisher's reign as Principal, Adult Evening classes were often held. The school was rebuilt in 1996 following a major earthquake that occurred in Summer Bay that year. In 2011, a storm occurred and did a great deal of damage, rendering the building unsafe. The school was rebuilt at the start of the 2012 school year. Most of the younger characters attend the school, and many of the adult characters have worked there including:

The Bait Shop – The local Bait Shop, currently owned by Alf Stewart who had owned one in previous years before it was burned down. It was intended to be a business venture between Alf and his grandson Ric Dalby, but Ric instead moved to university with his girlfriend, Matilda Hunter. Bridget worked at the shop until she was arrested. Hugo Austin also works here as a diver. Alf also ran a Bait Shop around 1997 - 1999, Alf was a business partner with Jesse McGregor, this Bait Shop was destroyed by fire caused by Jesse after Jesse decided he no longer wanted to be part of the business. Harvey Ryan (Marcus Graham) also works at the bait shop. Following his departure, Denny Miller replaced him from February 2014.

The Farm – Previously owned by Bruce Campbell - the grandfather of Geoff Campbell and Annie Campbell. In March 2009 Martha Mackenzie had bought the farm with the money from her husband Jack Holden after his death in honour of him. Martha sold the farm to her grandfather Alf Stewart in June 2010 before going on the run with Hugo Austin. Later in the year Sid Walker started renting the property, then a few months later bought the farm off of Alf and now lives there with his daughters Indigo and Sasha and son Dexter. Sid later left it to his kids with Dex moving into his room and having his girlfriend April move in. When the Walker family departed in 2013, they started renting it out to the Maguire Family and they moved in in the 2013 finale.

The Beach – The beach is an important part of the Bay and several major story lines have revolved around it. It is the main outdoor location, often used for casual encounters between characters. It also serves to showcase the looks of the cast, who are often seen wearing beachwear. There is a small salt-water swimming pool – referred to locally as the Ocean Pool – at one end of the beach which is used occasionally.

The Lighthouse – The Lighthouse is mentioned as being located at Stewart's Point, and appears in establishing shots.

St. James Church – The Church is often used for weddings and funerals. Previous Ministers have included Reverend Flowers, Reverend John Hall and Elijah Johnson.

The Library – The Library is somewhere around in Summer Bay, and students from Summer Bay High are occasionally mentioned as going there to study. However, it has never been seen on-screen.

Yabbie Creek Primary School – The closest Primary school situated in the neighbouring suburb of Yabbie Creek. It is the local primary school for Summer Bay residents after the closure of Summer Bay Primary School. Previous students of Summer Bay Primary include Sally Fletcher, Sam Marshall, Duncan Stewart, Christopher Fletcher, Rachel McGregor. Previous students of Yabbie Creek Primary School include Ryan Baker, VJ Patterson and for a short time, Darcy Callahan and Lily Smith.

Hogan's General Store (1988–89) – The local store was originally owned by Bobby Simpson's grandparents until they sold it to Ailsa Hogan in 1987, shortly after she moved to town and they moved away. Food was originally served on the premises. The following year, Ailsa sold the store to her sister in-law, Celia Stewart before temporarily leaving town. The store was later destroyed in an arson attack by Brian "Dodge" Forbes, which resulted in the death of Philip Matheson, who was living on the premises at the time. Celia then merged with Alf's liquor store until the insurance settlement came in for a new store which they ran together.

The Stewart Store (1989–91) – Alf and Celia ran this together until Celia left for Africa in 1990. Alf took over sole responsibility until 1991 when the store was later sold and he and Ailsa went into business in their own store. This store was bigger and resembled a mini market.

The Stewart Store (1991–96) – Alf and Ailsa purchased the store in mid-1991 and this became the main grocery shop in Summer Bay until 1996 when it was destroyed in a major Earthquake.

Sarah McKay Drop-in Center (1999–2004) – After a teenage girl identified as Sarah McKay was found dead in a sewer drain. Mitch McColl and the Summer Bay community decided to start up a Drop-in Center. The Drop-in Center was run by Shelley Sutherland with several other volunteers. In 2004 the Drop-in Center was burned to the ground.

Fisher Houses (1988–1992, 1992–1995) – Don Fisher's house, this house in the pilot episode was suggested to be located next door to the Summer Bay Caravan park. In 1992, Don sold the house to the Bowman family and moved to a new residence, with his old house not being seen after Julia Bowman left town a few months later. In 1995 the second house was destroyed by fire when a major bush fire swept through Summer Bay.

The House was originally owned by Alf Stewart, who lived there with his wife Martha and daughter, Roo. In 1985, Martha drowned in a boating accident and Alf and Roo remained in the house until 1988 when Alf sold the property and the Caravan park that came with it to Tom and Pippa Fletcher who had moved from the city with their foster children. The house became a foster home for various kids over the years. Tom died in 1990 and Pippa married Michael Ross a year later and he moved in. Michael drowned in a flood in 1996 and Pippa was widowed again.

Two years later Pippa decided to move with new partner, Ian Routledge to The Carrington Ranges and let Travis and Rebecca Nash take over the tenancy on the house and the care of the remaining foster children who opted to stay behind, Sam Marshall, Tiegan Brook and Justine Welles.

Sally Fletcher, Pippa's adoptive daughter felt like her home was not hers anymore and moved in with Jesse McGregor and Vinnie Patterson at Travis' house. Within a year, Travis and Rebecca moved to Canada, Sam had moved in with Donald Fisher and Tiegan had joined Pippa in the Carrington Ranges and the house was now occupied by Travis' brother, Joel and his wife Natalie and their children Tom and Gypsy. During the Nashes tenure they took in Peta Janossi and Rachel McGregor. They eventually bought the house and caravan park from Pippa along with Alf Stewart and Colleen Smart.

In 2000, The family had ultimately split up and Joel sold the house. The Sutherland Family had purchased it and lived there for four years. The family merged with the Hunters when Rhys Sutherland married local widow Beth Hunter. The marriage didn't last as Rhys went back to his ex-wife Shelley. Beth, not feeling comfortable in Rhys' home, elected to house swap with Flynn Saunders and Sally Fletcher, selling the adjoining Caravan Park as a separate entity. In 2005, It was revealed Pippa had purchased the Caravan Park from Tasha Andrews for Sally and Flynn and they took in local teenagers, Ric Dalby and Cassie Turner.

In 2006, Belle Taylor arrived in the Bay and secretly camped at the house with Ric, she moved out after she was caught. After Flynn's death in 2006, Alf moved back in. Sally left Summer Bay in 2008 and let her long-lost twin brother, Miles Copeland take over the running of the house and caravan park. Ric's girlfriend, Matilda Hunter, who had lived there previously with her family also moved back in. Jai Fernandez, an orphaned youth Miles had met in Phuket came to live with them.

After Ric and Matilda moved to Perth together, Kirsty Sutherland, Matilda's former stepsister and her son moved into the house. Nicole Franklin, moved in with Miles after her father Roman Harris left Summer Bay in June 2009. In September 2009 Jai's friend from when he lived in a foster home Romeo Smith came to stay and live in the Bay. In October 2009 Jai had left Summer Bay with Annie Campbell to go to Japan on a student exchange program. A week after Jai had left Kirsty and Ollie left Summer Bay with her mother Shelly after she had a miscarriage with her and Miles baby. The recurring character of Rabbit, who was Miles Copeland's dead daughter briefly stayed in the house in Early 2010, this went unnoticed by the others as Miles could only see her. Marilyn Chambers moved in when she returned to the Bay. Alf's daughter Roo (Georgie Parker) returned to Summer Bay in October 2010 moving into the house, after twenty years in New York City. Romeo moved out after marrying Indigo Walker and Miles left to join Sally in Phuket in late 2011. Roo and her husband foster Spencer Harrington (Andrew Morley) and Maddy Osborne (Kassandra Clementi). Sally and Pippa briefly stayed in the house in 2013, as did Josh Barrett (Jackson Gallagher). Harvey Ryan moved out of the house after separating from Roo in 2014, Spencer returned to the house after his break-up with Sasha Bezmel. Then left again in May 2014. Marilyn Chambers moved out in October 2014 after marrying John Palmer (Home and Away).

The Park, like the house, was owned by Alf. Following the death of his wife Martha, Alf let the condition of the park slide and eventually sold it to Tom and Pippa Fletcher who inherited full-time tenants Floss and Neville McPhee who lived in their circus caravan. Bobby Simpson lived in a caravan until moving into the house. Lance Smart also rented a van until he purchased a mobile home further up the park following a lottery win and was joined by Martin Dibble and they lived there for two years. They were joined by Marilyn Chambers for a while, but following their departures, she moved out. The home was rarely seen on screen for the next few years and when it was briefly shown in 1995 when Marilyn returned the steps had been removed. Lance's mother Colleen returned in 1997 in order to clean out the home for sale but stayed for the next fifteen years. In 2013, Casey Braxton stayed for a while after his break-up with his girlfriend, Tamara Kingsley. In 2014, Denny Miller stayed since she arrived to the Bay, but left in July and moved to the Farmhouse with her family.

This property located on Beach Road was previously owned by Ernie Jacobs, who rented it to Marilyn Chambers, Adam Cameron and Matt Wilson. Marilyn bought the property outright in 1991 and sold it to Greg and Bobby, following her departure. After Bobby's death, Greg put he house up for sale and Irene Roberts purchased it and remains living there. Originally the house had three bedrooms but a fourth was added.

Was owned by Amanda Vale after she inherited her late husband Graham Walters Estate. The mansion also features an outdoor pool. After Amanda leaves Summer Bay she rents it out to Jazz Curtis. It is burnt down by fire after Jazz lights a candle which falls down while she is sleeping. The damage is beyond repair.

Mangrove River is a neighbouring suburb to Summer Bay, often mentioned in the earlier years of the programme. Its first mention came in 1989 when Tom Fletcher and Alf Stewart were hospitalised there after being lost at sea. Tug O'Neale lived there and attended school until Year 10 when he transferred to Summer Bay High. Vinnie Patterson originally lived in Mangrove River before coming to the Bay. Mangrove River began to be mentioned more frequently and has been started to become involved in many storylines including Nicole Franklin inviting some guests from suburb to a party and David "Gardy" Gardener coercing Roman Harris into a robbery on the Wharf. The River Boys, who were introduced in 2011, come from Mangrove River. Wilson's Beach is Mangrove River's main beach for surfing. Mangrove River High School was burnt down in October 2013 and its students were subsequently transferred to Summer Bay High. In 2015, Evelyn and Josh went to Mangrove River to find Matt.

Yabbie Creek is Summer Bay's nearest neighbouring town where various characters either dine out, shop or take in movies.

Yabbie Creek High School – Ric Dalby originally attended here until he was expelled, as did Nick Smith following a temporary expulsion from Summer Bay High following accusations of sexual assault by Angie Russell. In the earlier years, the school had a soccer rivalry with Summer Bay High School.

Northern Districts Hospital – The closest hospital to Summer Bay. Current employees are Dr. Peta Bradley and nurse Julie Cooper and Nurse Gloria Clayton. Past employees have include Dr. Sid Walker, Dr. Kelly Watson, Dr. Lachlan Fraser, Dr. James Fraser, Dr. Charlotte Adams, Dr. Flynn Saunders, Sam Holden, Rachel Armstrong and nurse Eve Jacobsen. The hospital is located in Yabbie Creek (or at least was during the early years of the programme, but moved during continental drift that also caused an earthquake that destroyed the Beachside Diner in 2008), The hospital was featured in a major storyline in the season finale for 2013 when a bomb was detonated inside, killing at least one person and injuring several others.

Yabbie Creek Police Station – The closest police station to Summer Bay. The police station was used frequently when Nick Parrish lived in Summer Bay. After his departure, it was only seen occasionally, when Joel Nash became the main resident police officer. The station was used regularly again when the Summer Bay Stalker began terrorising the town in 2004 and Detective Peter Baker was on the case. Jack Holden was the main resident constable from 2005 until his death in 2008 at the hands of colleague Angelo Rosetta. Past officers have included Sergeants Bob Barnett, Chris Hale and Darren McGrath, and Senior Constable Lara "Fitzy" Fitzgerald, Constables Terri Garner, Pia Corelli and Ken Harper. Inspector Mike Carter, Senior Detective Robert Robertson and Detective Senior Constable "Doogie" Graves have also been based at the station while in town on the Grant Bledcoe and Penn Graham murder cases. Charlie Buckton was the main police officer from 2009, until her death in 2012. The station was then run for a time by the newly promoted Sergeant Georgina Watson, but since Senior Sergeant Mike Emerson assumed the role of station commander she has become his second-in-command.

Reefton Lakes – Another neighbouring suburb where Reefton Lakes High School is situated. Along with Summer Bay High School, it was under threat from closure in 2002. It was mentioned by Angelo Rosetta in 2010 when he offered to take his girlfriend Charlie Buckton on a date there and in 2012, Darryl Braxton competed in a cage fight there.

Sydney (Commonly referred to as The City) – The Capital city of New South Wales, and is seen often on the show when residents visit. Morag Bellingham lives here when she is not in Summer Bay.

Melbourne – Melbourne is the capital city of Victoria, it was featured on the show in 2009 - when Melody Jones ran away from home and lived on the streets of Melbourne with Miles Copeland and Charlie Buckton looking for her. Melbourne also featured in 2012 when Darryl Braxton and Heath Braxton search for Kyle Braxton and force him to give evidence at Casey Braxton's trial for murdering Danny Braxton. It is also where Heath has his stag night with his brothers before his wedding to Bianca Scott. Melbourne was also seen in 1988 when Brett Macklin ran away with his newborn daughter Martha MacKenzie. Martha later stops breathing and Brett brings her to the hospital there. Martha's mother Roo Stewart later discusses adoption with Alf. Martha is then adopted by the MacKenzie's and is not seen again until 2005.